Xicohténcatl,
50 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, Mass., (413) 528-2002.
The name is nearly impossible to pronounce, so most just say
shee-ko, but the flavors require no translation if you like
regional Mexican cuisine with plenty of cilantro, chipotle,
molé and other bold accents. Serving dinner daily 5-10,
brunch Sat-Sun 11-3. AE, MC, V.

Patroon
House, 614 Route 9W, Glenmont, 463-5130. Fine dining in
an elegant house just south of Albany, with a tasting menu
featured at dinner. Chef Richard Toth has a way with the steaks
and seafood that make them exceptional. Serving lunch Mon-Fri
11:30-2, dinner Mon-Thu 4:30-9:30, Fri-Sat 4:30-10. AE, D,
DC, MC, V

Eleven,
1111 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, Mass., (413) 662-2004. Youll
find pad thai and roasted chicken as part of an international
panoply of offerings served in what might as well be another
of this facilitys many galleries. Serving lunch daily
11:30-3, dinner Sun-Thu 5-9, Fri-Sat 5-10 (closed Sun between
Columbus Day and Memorial Day). AE, MC, V.

dine,
26 Henry St., Saratoga Springs, 587-9463. A melding of
classic French with Mediterranean and Asian influences that
swirls together into excellent meals with attentive service
in what bids fair to be one of the areas best restaurants.
Serving dinner from 5:30 Wed-Sun. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

The
Prospect Restaurant, Scribner
Hollow Lodge,
Route 23A, Hunter, 263-4211. Take the hour drive from Albany
and enjoy the sunset to a superior, inventive meal. Game and
fish and local produce are among the features. Serving dinner
Sun-Thu 5-10, Fri-Sat 5-11. AE, D, MC, V.

Malt
River Brewing Company, Latham Circle Mall, Latham, 786-6258.
Excellent beer and a varied menu are highlights of this comfortable
eatery, where you can have a religious experience if you ask
for the spicy version of the award-winning chili. Serving
Sun-Mon 11:30-9:30, Tue-Thu 11:30-11, Fri-Sat noon-midnight.
AE, D, DC, MC, V.